Answer Speedily
Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; Incline Your ear to me; In the day that I call, answer me speedily. ~ Psalms 102:2
The past couple of months have been challenging. Back in November, a close friend was hospitalized and treated, but they are still struggling through the pain of their diagnosis. As hard as it has been, there have been some good things that have been a result of this crisis. A closer friendship has grown, we’ve spent precious time together that we wouldn’t have otherwise, and our faith has been enriched and deepened. Through it all, I’ve focused on praying healing and grace scriptures over the situation. I’ve held firmly to the belief that “the prayer of faith will save the sick” (James 5:15). Instead of letting fears and doubts hold my thoughts and my prayers, I’ve chosen to speak God’s promises and possibilities found in His Word.
Today’s scripture, however, offers a different kind of prayer. A prayer that is raw, honest, and full of anguish. It is the desperate cry of someone afflicted and oppressed. The Psalmist doesn’t hold back; he demands that God not hide His face and asks for a speedy answer. Yet, as the Psalm progresses, there is a remarkable shift. The focus moves from the immediate pain and problems to the eternal nature and faithfulness of God. The Psalmist remembers that God endures forever and shows favor, and you can almost feel the peace that comes as he turns his attention from his present struggles to his eternal Father.
Maybe you are going through something today and need to cry out to God. There are some practical ways you can call on Him.
First, be Honest in your prayer. God invites you to come to Him with your raw, unfiltered emotions. Whether it’s anguish, fear, or frustration, share your heart with Him. There is no need to pretend or hide your true feelings. He already knows what you are going through, He is just waiting for you to invite Him to intervene in the situation.
Next, pray the Word of God. Along with your honest prayers, look for a scripture of God’s promises over your situation and begin to pray the promise over your pain. Scriptures like James 5:15 and Psalm 102 that remind us of His faithfulness and power. Then, shift your focus. After pouring out your heart, take time to remember who God is. Think about His eternal nature, His love, and His ability to work all things for good. This shift can bring peace even in the middle of trouble.
Lastly, Seek Support. Don’t face challenges alone. Share your burdens with trusted friends or spiritual mentors who can pray with you and encourage you. Establish a Routine of Thanksgiving. Even in tough times, look for ways to thank God. Gratitude will change your perspective and draw you closer to Him.
Here are some things you can do to get started.
- Create a Prayer Journal: Write out your prayers, including your honest thoughts and feelings. Then, record God’s promises and any answers or peace He provides.
- Meditate on Psalms: Spend time reading and meditating on the Psalms that applies to your current struggles. Let the words of the Psalmists guide and inspire your prayers.
- Schedule Dedicated Prayer Time: Set aside intentional time each day to pray and seek God. Make this a special space to pour out your heart and pause to listen for His guidance.
- Join a Prayer Group: Find or create a group of believers who can support each other through prayer. There is strength in community.
Today I want to encourage you that even though life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, remember that you do not have to go it alone. Just as the Psalmist experienced peace by turning his focus to the eternal Father, you too can find refuge and strength in God and His Word. Cry out to Him with boldness, hold fast to His promises, and trust that He hears you. He is a God who answers, who sees your pain, and who walks with you every step of the way. Let today be a reminder that even in your darkest moments, God’s love endures forever. Keep seeking, keep trusting, and take comfort in knowing that He will answer speedily in His perfect time.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 102
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come to You.
2 Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; Incline Your ear to me; In the day that I call, answer me speedily.
3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned like a hearth.
4 My heart is stricken and withered like grass, so that I forget to eat my bread.
5 Because of the sound of my groaning my bones cling to my skin.
6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert.
7 I lie awake, and am like a sparrow alone on the housetop.
8 My enemies reproach me all day long; Those who deride me swear an oath against me.
9 For I have eaten ashes like bread,
and mingled my drink with weeping,
10 Because of Your indignation and Your wrath; For You have lifted me up and cast me away.
11 My days are like a shadow that lengthens, and I wither away like grass.
12 But You, O Lord, shall endure forever, and the remembrance of Your name to all generations.
13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come.
14 For Your servants take pleasure in her stones, and show favor to her dust.
15 So the nations shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth Your glory.
16 For the Lord shall build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory.
17 He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer.
18 This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.
19 For He looked down from the height of His sanctuary; From heaven the Lord viewed the earth,
20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner, to release those appointed to death,
21 To declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem,
22 When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.
23 He weakened my strength in the way; He shortened my days.
24 I said, “O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days; Your years are throughout all generations.
25 Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
26 They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed.
27 But You are the same, and Your years will have no end.
28 The children of Your servants will continue, and their descendants will be established before You.”
The Daily Dose 